APP Deadline 23 February

Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship 2007

Kingston, Ontario, Canada

The deadline for nations applying for funding from the ISAF Athlete Participation Programme (APP) to compete in the 2007 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship passes today, Friday 23 February. Over the past five years the APP has helped over 100 young sailors attend the world's top youth sailing event.

The 37th ISAF Youth Worlds will take place in Kingston, Ontario, Canada from 12-21 July, with racing out of Portsmouth Olympic Harbour in seven events. ISAF Member National Authorities (MNA) can apply for funding from the APP to help their sailors meet the travel costs and entry fees to attend the Championships.

At last year's record breaking Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship, 19 sailors competed in Weymouth, Great Britain with funding from the APP.

Sailors and parents interested in the APP should contact their MNA to make an application.

About The APP

The APP has an annual budget of £15,000 to assist sailors from smaller, developing sailing nations - in particular those new to ISAF Championships - pay for travel costs and entry fees. As well as being able to compete at the world's premier youth event, the young sailors on the APP also receiving coaching throughout the regatta from renowned British coach Jim SALTONSTALL, whose appointment is funded by the World Youth Sailing Trust.

The APP has assisted over 100 sailors attend the Youth Worlds since 2003. At last year's Youth Worlds in Great Britain, 19 sailors from 15 different nations on the APP contributed to a record breaking total of 281 sailors from 63 nations. In 2004, ISAF introduced the Long Term Funding Programme which enables developing countries to plan and prepare for future Youth Worlds knowing that funding will be available to them at least one year in advance.

If you have any comments regarding the Athlete Participation Programme and how ISAF should support athletes please click here to contact ISAF.

For all the latest news from the 2007 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship CLICK HERE.